One of the biggest questions coming from parents and caregivers is, “How can I support my child through this experience?” Each child is his/her own unique person and will respond to medical experiences in his/her own way. However, there are a few universal concerns that stand out in children at different ages. We, as Child Life Specialists, have compiled a list of ways to appropriately support your child during the hospital stay in each stage of life.
Infants (Birth-11 months) WorriesUnfamiliar environmentFear of strangersPainInterrupted routinesSeparation from familyPreparationPrepare yourselfBe main source of comfort for childStick to routinesBring favorite stuffed animal, pacifier, blanketSupportSing lullabiesHold/rock infantStroke face, arms or legsTalk in soothing tonesProvide comfort itemsProvide items your infant can watch (bubbles, mobiles, mirrors, crib toys)Shake rattlesMedical playLet infants explore (mouthing, grasping, touching) and play with safe, real medical equipmentPeek-a-boo with doctor hats and masksLetting your infant watch you play with medical equipment
Toddlers (12 months-3 years) WorriesAnxiety (separation from family, unfamiliar environment, strangers)Loss of independencePain (fear of needles and medical equipment)PreparationRead about hospitals and talk to your child one or two days prior to the visitPlay with doctor kits and explain things in a simple wayAssure child you will be with him/her as much as possibleSupportBlow bubbles, sing songsRead books, sound booksHold and comfort childProvide comfort items from homeMedical playPeek-a-boo with doctor hats and masksLet child explore and play with appropriate medical equipmentWater play with syringes in bathtub
Preschoolers (4 years-5 years) WorriesPain (fear of needles and medical equipment)Seeing procedures as punishmentFear of bodily harmSeparation from familyConfusion about being in hospitalPreparationTalk in simple words about going to the hospital a few days before visitExplain the visit is to help make him/her feel better, not because of something he/she did wrongRead books about going to hospitalGive child time to ask questions and show understandingSupportSing songs, blow bubblesRead sound booksWatch glitter wandProvide comfort itemsTalk about some of your child’s favorite thingsMedical playMake medical collages with things found in hospital (bandages, gauze, tongue depressors, cotton balls, etc.)Play and explore with medical equipment and dolls (painting and water play with syringes)
School Agers (6 years-12 years) WorriesLoss of privacy and independencePainFear of harm to his/her bodyFear of deathPreparationBegin discussions about hospital visit 1-2 weeks before date of visitLet child pack bag for time in hospitalEncourage child to talk about feelings and worries to you and staff at hospitalRead books about going to hospitalTalk about what child may see and feel while in hospital. Always be honest!Explain why he/she needs to go to the hospital (what the surgery or other procedures are for)SupportI Spy booksHandheld gamesTalk about favorite things (vacation, activity, school)Practice slow, deep-breathing and relaxingListen to favorite musicSqueeze stress ball or hold someone’s handMedical playMake artwork with medical materials (syringe painting)Write story or poem about going to the hospitalPlay and explore with appropriate, real medical equipment and dolls
Teenagers (13 years and older) WorriesLoss of privacy and independenceSeparation from friendsBody image issuesPreparation Include teen in making decisions about surgery or hospital stay, when appropriateAsk his/her opinionRead books or articles about hospitalEncourage teen to think about questions and concerns and write them downSupportRespect his/her privacyEncourage teen to keep in touch with friendsPlay handheld gamesTalk with teen about school, friends, etc. Practice deep, slow breathing and relaxing bodySqueeze stress ball or hold someone’s handListen to favorite music or watch moviesMedical playExplore and ask questions about medical equipmentCreate artwork inspired by the hospital experience (can also use medical equipment)Write songs, poems, stories about hospital
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